Poll: What would make you switch from Netflix to Blockbuster?

December 06, 2006

Netflix_3NetflixorblockbusterSo Blockbuster released a holiday promotion yesterday that will let Netflix subscribers rent Blockbuster movies for free. The reaction to the offer is, of course, mixed. Some seem to hate Blockbuster with a passion while others point out Netflix has its own issues (especially when you are a frequent user). How can we know what to do in a case like this?

I thought we could settle this once and for all using my favorite imperfect method: the poll! Question: I would switch from Netflix to Blockbuster IF:

I would switch from Netflix to Blockbuster IF:
I get free movie rentals at any Blockbuster store by turning in Netflix tear-off flaps.
I get free movie rentals through Blockbuster online by mailing in my Netflix tear-off flaps.
There is nothing Blockbuster can do; I will not make the switch.
I already use Blockbuster and find it has more value.
I switch between the two companies for various reasons.
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Filed Under: Media, Netflix, Tech News

Viewing 8 Comments

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    Hmm. Not sure I like any of the choices, but I said there's nothing BB can do to make me switch. That's because my business is really just Netflix's to lose. I think Netflix is fantastic--I don't really have any complaints beyond the inevitable minor tweaks I think of from time to time. Movies come in one day; I LOVE what I call the "MySpace factor," which allows me to see friends' collections and discuss movies online; and the website is much more helpful and intuitive, at least based on my (admittedly not very extensive) use of BB's.

    Getting in-store rentals just doesn't matter to me. Browsing on Netflix's site is so fun and easy that it more than makes up for any in-store browsing enjoyment I ever got, and paying a tiny bit extra to ensure I've always got something around takes care of any lack of immediate gratification for me.

    I fail to see the appeal at all of mailing in my Netflix tabs for free rentals. I'm not trying to squeeze out an extra movie without paying for it. I adjust my account plan regularly based on how many movies I'm watching at the time based on my schedule. It's not about the money--I feel like I'm getting a great deal from Netflix pretty much no matter what I pay. I just don't want to pay for more than I'm actually using.

    Geez. This is practically a commercial for Netflix. I guess I'll stop now. Netflix just seems like the superior product to me. Unless they do something to piss me off, I'm just not interested in switching.
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    I think there are 2 things going for Netflix:

    #1 - They started up back when BlockBuster was the big bully with terrible customer service, high late fees and expensive rates. People hated BlockBuster (I was an early adopter and also used Netflix for their DVD selection--which was poor at every store in my area). People have long memories and they still dont' like BlockBuster, based on their history.

    #2 - People don't like going to the store unless it's an impulsive thing. Unfortunately, they still have to return the movie to the store--when they no longer feel impulsive. I think BlockBuster really should consider renting movies at the store with a return mail envelope, so they don't NEED to make a return trip. This would help with the impulsive renters.

    The only thing that is going to take people away from Netflix is downloadable rentals with a monthly fee (sorry Microsoft--$6 a movie is ridiculous). As Internet gets faster and devices come with a download functionality, I could see this becoming very popular. If I could download HD movies on my Xbox 360 for a monthly rate (ie: $20/month for having 2 or 3 movies on the Xbox at any given time) and it didn't take forever--I'd consider switching from Netflix.... even if the service was backed by Blockbuster.

    I can really only see downloadable services as the next big competitor. And not with the stupid $3-6 per video that Apple and Microsoft have adopted.
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    What would make me switch from netflix to blockbuster? If blockbuster allowed you to rent either movies *or* games. It'd be nice to have a game and 2 movies out.. or if there weren't any games you wanted to play, to have 3 movies.
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    Well, it looks like with just over 100 votes, the clear winner is "there is nothing Blockbuster can do." Perhaps there is nothing Blockbuster can do, at least, nothing the company can do that's listed in the poll. But I like the mailing back in-store rentals idea and the games or movies idea, though neither seems likely to happen anytime soon...
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    The customer experience at blockbuster stores is so negative that it makes absolutely no difference whether their prices are better than Netflix. Even with free rentals, I just don't need a movie bad enough to subject myself to the Neanderthal staff.

    On the opposite end, Netflix gets it right, from super easy online ordering to nice customer service. Why wouldn't people be loyal to them?

    Blockbuster's problems are too big to be solved by little holiday promotions. They have let themselves become a "ghetto" store, and once you go ghetto, the good people up and leave and never look back.
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    Free One Month Online Rental: Promo Code 1230ta expire 3/31/2007
    https://www.blockbuster.com/signup/rp/regPlan/c...
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    My business is Netflix's to lose. As long as they are good, I don't think I'll switch. I've rated 450 movies and I get good recommendations based on my ratings. Netflix has an excellent collection but, I find that some classic movies have not been available on Netflix for a while. That is just starting to piss me off.
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    Blockbuster Online Experience
    I cancelled my account, removed all DVDs from my queue, and returned all movies within the specified time period. Blockbuster Online, a week after I canceled and with nothing left in my queue, sent two DVDs without my knowledge. I did not request the DVDs, and I never wanted to use the service ever again. I have now been charged for the two DVDs forcibly sent after cancellation.

    I only used the Blockbuster Online service for two months, and I cancelled because of extremely slow service, and missing, incorrect or broken DVDs. The Blockbuster Online website shows an Internal Server Error when I try to make contact, and when I call, I am put on hold for over 20 minutes only to be disconnected. Now almost two months after I cancelled, I have to deal with unauthorized billing because my financial information is still on record. I have to change all of my financial information at my bank because Blockbuster states that it is impossible to remove it from their records.

    Do not use this service.
 

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